Fingerprint Analysis Friction ridge analysis, otherwise known as fingerprint analysis, is the “analysis of the images left by prints on the fingers, palms, or soles” in a crime scene (Shelton, 39). Fingerprints are viewed by society as infallible pieces of evidence that can be accurately matched to a certain individual. In reality, the chances of simply getting a good fingerprint from a crime scene are low and matching them to the correct individual is much more difficult than what the media portrays. There are two forms of prints that can be collected: latent prints and patent prints. Patent prints are visible prints such as those left behind by a bloody hand. Latent prints are those that are invisible to the naked eye and need extra work put into revealing and lifting them. The most common form of revealing prints is dusting and lifting. This is accomplished through the use of a special brush and powder which must be carefully applied to the area in which you want to search for ...